Is it just me, or are the Mets winning ball games in ways they really haven't the last two seasons?

With a little luck, some resourcefulness and -- gasp -- resiliency.

The Mets took the field last night with their starting catcher, first baseman, shortstop, center fielder and right fielder -- 5/8's of the expected everyday lineup -- all on the disabled list.

Yet they woke up today a half game out of first place, propped up offensively by the bats of a proud wash-up like Gary Sheffield, a clutch castoff like Omir Santos, and resurgent Luis Castillo. And of course David Wright, the last star standing and a venerable ironman on these M*A*S*H Mets.

Last night 20-year-old Fernando Martinez joined the mix. And hopefully he'll make the Mets forget about Ryan Church the way Sheffield and Santos have covered for Carlos Delgado and Brian Schneider.

The big dogs are going to come back eventually. Knock on wood, Carlos Beltran in a few days, and Reyes in a week or two. The schedule is mighty soft until then.

Each game the Phillies fail to pull ahead of these wounded Metropolitans is a missed opportunity for Chase Utley and Co. And a victory for the makeshift Mets.

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My $0.02...

Speaking of Schneider, the catcher is expected to come off the DL this week. If Omar Minaya demotes Santos to make room, the GM should be tarred and feathered. And if manager Jerry Manuel immediately hands the starting job to broken down Schneider, I'll lose all faith in him.

Santos -- a former Staten Island Yankee -- is the best defensive backstop on the roster. And he's got a nose for the big hit offensively.